Nicollet County Ledger May 5, 2024

May 5, 2024 | South Central News & Media

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Hoover Fun Run Hoover Elementary Held it’s Fun Run Event on Friday, May 3. See more on page 6.

MN Rep. Jeff Brand and Utility Manager Al Fox Spearhead Effort to Secure Funds for Wastewater Treatment Project in Lafayette in Bonding Bill

Senator Nick Frentz North Mankato City Council Working on Energy Policy Approved All Seasons Arena Improvement Contracts and and Permitting Issues as Summer Event Permits Development Stalls Here By Robert Lawson considered a seasonal patio permit for Big Dog in the State of Minnesota Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger.

Sports Café, May 1 to

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger .com

By Robert Lawson Publisher info@nicolletcountyledger .com

The Minnesota House will consider funding Lafayette’s wastewater treatment upgrade project to remain in compliance with standards as well as keep drinking water safe for its residents. State Rep. Jeff Brand (DFL - Saint Peter) is leading the charge on the issue for his district, 18A. The funds aim to reduce levels of

disinfection byproduct levels at the wastewater treatment plant.

“This funding would help address problems through a citywide water softener, ensuring safe drinking water for the people of Lafayette,” Brand said.

The city of Lafayette’s Public Works and Maintenance Supervisor Al Fox has been taking the helm on the issues with the city’s water issues, working on the RSO project, writing grants and so forth for the :Continued on Page 5

Minnesota Senator Nick Frentz provided an update recently on the Senate’s efforts in energy policy with a DFL controlled government.

Frentz represents Senate District 18, which includes the cities of Saint Peter, Nicollet, Courtland, Mankato, North Mankato, Eagle Lake, Kasota, Lafayette, and rura

l Nicollet County.

“We have been extremely busy these past two weeks with omnibus bills moving through committees and onto the floor,” Frentz said.

“Additionally, one of the major bills moved by the Energy committee this session, permitting reform, made it to the floor [April 18].”

Frentz’s permitting reform bill S.F. 4784 passed the floor with bipartisan support.

“In our goal to reach 100 Continued on Page 5

com

North Mankato held its Council Work Session at 6:30 p.m. on April 15 where they received native landscapes information and discussed pollinator promotions.

The regular Council Meeting was at 7:00 p.m.

The council approved resolutions authorizing the All Seasons Arena improvements and contracts, agreements and related actions pertaining to the improvements.

The council also

November 1, a mobile food truck license application for Koum N Go Food Truck from Jackson, Minnesota, for May 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025, an Audio Permit for April 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Cross Street Between Tyler Avenue and Harrison Avenue, an audio and event permit for July 10-July 14, at Wheeler Park for Fun Days, a parade permit for July 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the North Mankato Fun Days Parade, audio permits for Spinner’s Bar & Grill for May 3, 18, Continued on Page 5

NicolletCountyLedger.com

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1915 — Sunkist Oranges Bemidji Daily Pioneer

Governor Walz Announces Minnesota has Received Over $60 Million to Deliver Solar Power, Help Families Save on Energy Costs [ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced Minnesota has received $62 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for solar projects that will help families save on energy costs. The Solar for All grant will support a variety of solar programs serving low-income and disadvantaged communities.

“We can tackle climate change while saving families money. These grants are a great example of how we can make that happen,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesota’s health, wellbeing, and economic future depend on us taking climate seriously. This grant is a major step in the right direction as we continue to create clean energy jobs and move toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.”

“The Solar for All grant will save Minnesotans money, reduce energy costs, and reduce pollution from carbon emissions,” said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. “This grant is one of the many ways we are leveraging federal funds to invest in clean energy for healthier, safer homes for families and communities across Minnesota, especially low-income households and communities most affected by our changing climate.”

Minnesota’s grant is one of 60 announced by the EPA as part of the $7 billion in Solar for All grants across the country. The EPA estimates the solar energy initiatives will save $8 billion in energy costs for an estimated 900,000 households.

With this announcement, the Commerce Department has been awarded over $800 million for clean energy and climate resilience funds since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act were signed into law in 2021 and 2022.

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Hwy 14 Minnesota River Bridge repair project in Mankato starts May 6 LeSueur County Sheriff’s Report

Question: I purchased an old trailer to haul my riding lawn mower around, are brakes required on it?

Answer: Brakes are required on all trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. Trailers manufactured after June 30, 1988, with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more require brakes installed on all wheels.

Every trailer with a gross weight of more than 3,000 pounds shall also be equipped with a breakaway brake device which will automatically apply and hold the brakes should the trailer accidentally become detached from the towing unit.

Trailers manufactured prior to July 1, 1988 that are equipped with three or more axles are not required to have brakes on the front axle, as long as the brakes on all other wheels meet the performance standards prescribed by law.

The manufacturers of many new vehicles equipped with anti-lock brake systems require any towed unit be equipped with electric brakes and the towing vehicle be equipped with an electronic brake controller.

It’s also important to check the brakes on your personal vehicle every three months. Too often, vehicle owners put off simple maintenance until it’s too late. Deteriorating brakes can create longer stopping distances, ultimately leading to a crash. Do your part to maintain your vehicle to avoid a crash.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.

(Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.m n.us) Twitter: MSPPIO_SOUTH

Construction on the Highway 14 Minnesota River Bridge in Mankato will begin Monday, May 6, weather permitting, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Motorists can expect traffic delays and congestion, especially during peak travel times.

The bridge rehabilitation project includes concrete work on the bridge deck to extend the life of the bridge.

Highway 14 will remain open to thru-traffic in a head-to-head configuration. There will be shoulder, lane, and ramp closures as the work is completed in stages. The anticipated construction duration for lane and ramp closures and detour routes can be viewed on the project website: www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/pr ojects/hwy14mnriverbridg e/index.html.

Traffic impacts: Stage 1: Shoulder and lane closures on Highway 14 from 3rd Avenue to Highway 169, and from Lor Ray Drive to Lookout Drive, starting May 6 for approximately two weeks as crews build crossovers.

Stage 2: Westbound Highway 14 ramps to Highway 169 will be

closed, and northbound Highway 169 at Highway 14 will be reduced to one lane for approximately three weeks.

Stage 3: The Highway 169 ramps to eastbound Highway 14 will be closed. The entrance ramp at Lookout Drive to eastbound Highway 14 will be closed. The entrance ramp at Lor Ray Drive to eastbound Highway 14 will be open for access to Highway 169 only. The anticipated duration is three weeks.

Stage 4: Shoulder and lane closures for approximately two weeks.

Motorists are advised to find alternative routes, change travel times to avoid peak traffic periods, or plan for extra travel time. With the ramp closures at Highway 14/169, motorists may also consider using Highway 22 from Mankato to St. Peter as an alternate route.

The project is expected to be complete in mid-July, weather permitting.

Project benefits, cost Benefits of the project include improved pavement for a smoother bridge surface and increased safety. PCiRoads

Expect delays at Highway 99 Minnesota River Bridge in St. Peter May 6-8

Saint Peter Man Faces Child Fwd: AG Ellison returns $1 Felony Pornography Charges. million in back wages to 3M

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Motorists will encounter minor traffic delays May 6-8, weather permitting, at the historic Highway 99 bridge over the Minnesota River in St. Peter, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Bridge experts from the Minnesota Department of Transportation will be performing routine inspection from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the fracture-critical 1931 iron truss bridge.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane across the bridge from with a flagging operation in place.

The Highway 99 Minnesota River Bridge in St. Peter is inspected every year.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

was awarded the project with a bid of $1,679,992.74.

Stay connected Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for email updates.

Information will be shared on the MnDOT South Central Facebook group and on X @mndotscentral.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

Important work zone safety reminders: Slow down when approaching every work zone Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones Stay alert; watch for workers and slowmoving equipment Obey posted speed limits.

Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300 Minimize distractions behind the wheel Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times

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Leslie Walter Havemeier III, 19, was charged with a felony for using minors in pornographic work in Nicollet County Court last week.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Nicollet County, investigators received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It indicated someone uploaded 11 child sexual abuse files to cloud-based storage.

Investigators, according to the complaint, identified the account subscriber and were also able to obtain the user’s phone number that was used to register and access the cloud account belonging to Havemeier. Investigators also made use of a search warrant that was executed on the storage account showing the original 11 files. There were also 15 more files found containing images of minors engaged in sexual conduct.

Investigators then performed a search warrant in September 2023 at Havemeier’s home. He told police where computers and other devices were but after brief questioning, he decided to stop answering questions and consult with an attorney.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found another video on his cell phone while conducing device analysis to gather evidence, according to the complaint.

Havemeier has been summoned to appear in Nicollet County Court on June 11.

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Le Sueur County Sheriff Brett Mason wants to remind everyone, especially the senior citizens, to be vigilant to avoid scams. Remember to review and screen your phone calls; your US mail, your e-mails and even when someone stops at your house. Mason reports that in the past 3 months alone, various citizens from Le Sueur County were scammed-out of $209,000 that will never be recovered. These scams can include Publisher Clearing House Contest; Grandson or Granddaughter in Jail or in an Accident; Warrant for your Arrest; Taxes owed to the IRS; Geek Squad or Microsoft reporting a virus on your computer, just to name a few.

Tips to help you from being scammed: Get Caller ID installed on your phones and then let unknown callers go to voicemail, keep in mind that scammers can now “spoof” a phone number that is displayed in your Caller ID, leading you to believe the call is from a trusted number, for example from your medical clinic or your bank, when actually it is a “scammer” calling. So, remember to ask the caller questions until you are sure you know who it is calling you.

Additional tips can include if you receive a phone call and you are not interested in what the caller is saying, hang-up on them; don’t do business with someone who shows-up at your door; delete any unsolicited e-mails without opening them; do not wire money to people you do not know; register your phone on the National DoNot-Call Registry and before you agree to wire or send any money, review it with another family member or with a trusted friend, or your Banker.

If you feel that you have been a victim of a scam, report the matter to your local Law Enforcement. Additional information or resources can be obtained at Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433 or www.minnesotahelp.info ; Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov : the Better Business Bureau at 651-699-1111 or www.thefirstbbb.org ; and the Federal Trade Commission National Do-Not-Call-Registry.

employees after unauthorized paycheck deductions

Settlement with 3M will affect 1,690 employees May 2, 2024 (SAINT PAUL) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that as part of a settlement with his office, 3M must pay $961,394.93 in back wages to 1,690 employees as a result of unauthorized paycheck deductions. The Assurance of Discontinuance, filed today in Ramsey County District Court, resolves an investigation by Attorney General Ellison’s office into the company’s payment practices.

3M made deductions from its employees’ pay without first obtaining the employees’ voluntary written authorization in violation of Minnesota Statutes section 181.79. These deductions were made to correct various overpayments, which resulted from factors including COVID-19 pandemicrelated absences, incorrect calculations of salary base pay, and incorrect overtime calculations.

“It was wrong for 3M to deduct money from workers’ paychecks without their knowledge and agreement,” Ellison said. “I am pleased that 3M was willing to cooperate with my office by returning money to workers and changing its deduction policies going forward.”

Under the terms of the settlement, 3M has also developed and instituted a written protocol for deductions from employee wages, which includes obtaining written authorization from employees prior to making deductions for lost or stolen property, damage to property, or to recover any other indebtedness.

Filing a complaint as a worker Workers with concerns or complaints about systematic violations of state and federal wage laws can contact the Attorney General’s Office through its online complaint form, which is available in Spanish or English. The Attorney General’s Office can also be contacted by phone at (651) 296-3353 (Metro area) or (800) 657-3787 (Greater Minnesota).

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Klobuchar Statement on Minnesota Korean War Veteran Receiving Purple Heart WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement following the Army Review Boards Agency’s decision to award St. Peter native Earl Meyer the Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War. Senator Klobuchar worked with the Army and the Meyer family to secure this recognition after it was initially denied.

“Earl Meyer put his life on the line in defense of our freedoms, and we are forever indebted to him for his service. Earl earned this Purple Heart, and I am so glad that we were able to work with his family and the Army to get him the recognition he deserves,” said Klobuchar.

Earl Meyer served in World War II as a Merchant Mariner and in the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Army. Mr. Meyer received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a member of the Merchant Marines.

City of North Mankato invites residents to attend Historic Preservation Presentation North Mankato, Minn.- The City of North Mankato invites residents to attend a special meeting of the North Mankato City Council with a representative from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). This will be an opportunity for residents to provide input on whether the City should establish a preservation program in North Mankato.

In the past, some citizens have requested that the City establish a preservation program to protect historic resources (i.e. single-family homes, businesses, apartments, places of worship, etc.). A preservation program includes adoption of a preservation ordinance that protects historic buildings from “insensitive” rehabilitation (rehabilitation that doesn’t match the architectural period of the building). The preservation ordinance also establishes the roles and authority of a Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC), a group of appointed individuals who ensure sensitive rehabilitation occurs to buildings and structures designated as being historically significant.

City Staff previously researched what it would mean to have a preservation program and reported back to the City Council during the Work Session on January 16, 2024. Minutes from that work session and staff’s memo, can be found on the City’s website at the following link: https://northmankato.com/government/city_council/agendas___minutes.php North Mankato residents are invited to join the City Council, City staff, and a representative from SHPO on May 6th at 5:30pm at the North Mankato Municipal Building Council Chambers.

A virtual option to participate will also be offered, the Zoom link will be available on May 6th on the City’s website at www.northmankato.com. Participants will hear a summary of staff’s research and information from the SHPO representative. There will also be opportunities to ask questions about what a preservation program might mean for the community.

Questions may be directed to City Planner Matt Lassonde at matthewl@northmankato.com or 507-514-6456.

Brand and Fox Spearhead Effort to Secure Funds for Wastewater Treatment Project in Lafayette Continued From 1 past several years already.

In a letter that was published by the Minnesota House on April 18, Fox wrote the following: RE: House Capital Investment Hearing Wednesday, April 24th at 1:00 pm.

The City of Lafayette is working to resolve elevated chloride levels currently above the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) standard, which is 230 mg/L for chronic levels and 860 mg/L for acute levels, at the City’s wastewater treatment plant.

A significant source of chlorides at the wastewater treatment plant is the waste brine from individual ion exchange water softeners at homes and businesses. Removal of chlorides at the wastewater treatment plant is not economically feasible as the only available treatment is reverse osmosis (RO) and would be quite expensive for the removal of the high chloride levels from the wastewater. Due to that, a common and preferred method to achieve chloride level compliance at the wastewater treatment plant is to reduce the quantity of chlorides entering the sanitary sewer by softening the drinking water supply and eliminating the need for individual homeowners and businesses to soften their water with ion exchange water softeners.

Additionally, recent testing showed there are elevated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) above the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the City’s water distribution system,

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which are formed by the chemical reactions between chlorination of the City’s water supply and the organic matter, measured as total organic carbon (TOC), naturally occurring in the City’s water supply. A notice of violation was issued to the city from the MDH. This project will allow the city to resolve both issue’s they are facing.

Wastewater Treatment On 31 January 2024 the City of Lafayette received our draft MPCA permit.

Chloride 230mg/l, 341 mg/l Daily maximum.

The city has been engaged with the MPCA and has another meeting set for April 29, 2024 to discuss compliance options for the draft permit. The city has until May 30th for submittal of their final comments / plan.

Lafayette Demographics Population 504 195 Residential Users 36 Commercial Users Lafayette Current Rate structures Monthly Water Average Bill $63.40-Monthly Sewer Average Bill $ 58.80 Combined Water / Sewer Monthly bill $122.20 CITY OF LAFAYETTE 791 Main Ave. – PO Box 375 Lafayette, MN 56054 (507) 2288241 The City of Lafayette is an equal opportunity provider Water Facility Operational Expenses (2023 Operations) Operations $135,833.10 Capital Outlays $285,181.09 RO (Temp Bond + Capital) RD Bond Payment $43,314.16 (2011-2012) Infrastructure

Project. Replaced all water mains and sewer mains.

Ear marked Future Maintenance $3,980.68 Total Operational Expenses $203,127.94 Total Operating Income $203,127.94 Funding opportunities and request Final Engineer Design and Estimate is $2,688,287. 00 Addition of a RO facility attached directly to our existing WTP. EPA (CDS) Grant - $1,000,000.00 Construction Approved, Sponsored

by Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith.

State Bonding Request $1,300,000.00 Engineering and Construction PFA / City $388,287.00 ($1,688,287.00) without the state bonding request) Engineering and Construction Total Funds - $2,688,287.00 CDS EPA Cost share waiver The City of Lafayette applied for a cost share waiver due to the current utility rates being over the 2.0 % of the household median income per EPA guidelines.

Waiver was approved on January 31, 2024.

City of Lafayette Current Project Activities The City of Lafayette project is on the PFA PPL listing and on the IUP. PFA application, , found calculation error, submitted draft waiting for

North Mankato CC Continued From 1

June 8, 22, August 10, 24, and September 21 and 28, and an audio permit and event permit for the Mankato Brewery BBQ & Brew-Ha Cookoff on June 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1119 Center Street.

PFA approval on calculation corrections.

EPA working on Historical preservation packet, submitted to the State Historical Preservation office on 18 April 2024.

Estimated 30-day turnaround time.

Projected Timelines 2024—Secure, finalize affordable funding option 2025—February Bid project, award bid, start construction 2026—December Construction complete.

2027—Start up, Optimization of RO Facility, start on water softener removal campaign, apply MPCA grant to help process.

Monitor WWTF progress on reductions.

Closing statement Without support from the state bonding bill and leaving the City to fund $1,300,000.00 would be $5,627.71 per account. On a 20-year bond, water rates could go up as much as $23.45 per month per account not counting interest.

The City of Lafayette has been working diligently for a costeffective way to correct these issues. It is very critical that our request is included in the state bonding bill.

Thank you for your time and consideration on this request.

Sincerely,

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Allan E. Fox City of Lafayette Utility and Maintenance Superintendent

North Mankato CC Continued From 1 percent clean energy by 2040, we needed to speed up permitting, allowing us to increase the grid's ability to handle extended energy demand in an interconnected fashion,” Frentz said. “This long overdue change will decrease the total permitting time by 20 percent while continuing to make sure that public and environmental concerns are heard throughout the process.”

The bill includes consensus from multiple stakeholder groups and advocates.

“It is important to have continued support from stakeholders, advocates, and legislators throughout the whole process, reaffirming our collective commitment to helping all of Minnesota achieve carbon neutrality and lower utility prices,” he said.

Permitting has been a major focus of local business, agriculture, construction, housing and groups who say the process can take years for certain types of permits, which can stall projects, or even see some projects become abandoned completely due to uncertainty or cost. Compeer Financial in Mankato recently hosted a group of business leaders, farmers and others where a report was presented by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce that showed how Minnesota compares to peer states nearby.

Minnesota takes monumentally longer for similar permits.

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